COMPRESSIBLE FLOW

A compressible flow is that flow in which the density of the fluid changes during flow
If the relative change in density δρ/ρ is small, the fluid can be treated as
incompressible. if Mach’s number U/C, where C is the sonic velocity, is
small, compressible fluid can be treated as incompressible

BASIC EQUATIONS OF COMPRESSIBLE FLUID FLOW

Continuity Equation=ρAV = constant

d ρ/ρ+dA/A+dV/V= 0

Momentum Equation:The momentum equation for compressible fluids is similar to

the one for incompressible fluids.
ΣFx = (ρAVVx)2 – (ρAVVx)1
Bernoulli’s or energy equation for isothermal process :
dp/ρ+ VdV + gdz = 0
pv = constant(isothermal process)
As the flow of compressible fluid is steady, the Euler equation is given as :
P/ ρ = Constant
Bernoulli’s equation for adiabatic process :
In case of an adiabatic process, PVγ = constant
PROPAGATION OF DISTURBANCES IN FLUID AND VELOCITY
OF SOUND
The velocity of disturbance depends upon the changes in pressure
and density of the fluid.

• The speed of propagation of sound in a media is known as

acoustic or sonic velocity and depends upon the difference of
pressure. In compressible flow, velocity of sound (sonic velocity)
is of paramount importance
 Derivation of Sonic Velocity (velocity of sound)

ρ × dL × A = (ρ + dρ) (dL – dx) × A ...by

principle of continuity
dp × A × dt = ρ × dL × A (V – 0)
C =dp/ρV
C = √dp/dρ
Sonic Velocity in Terms of Bulk Modulus:
The bulk modulus of elasticity of fluid (K) is defined as

vρ = constant
Differentiating both sides, we get
vdρ + ρdv = 0

C = √K/ρ
Sonic Velocity for Isothermal Process
For isothermal process :p/ρ = constant
Differentiating both sides, we get

C = √P/ρ=C = √RT
Sonic Velocity for Adiabatic Process
For isentropic (reversible adiabatic) process :p/ργ = constant
Differentiating both sides, we have

C = √ (γRt)
 MACH NUMBER

M<1
M=1
M>1
PROPOGATION OF DISTURBANCE IN COMPRESSIBLE FLUID
NOZZLES
M= A1C1/ʋ1= A2C2/ʋ2 = ρ1 A1C1 =ρ2 A2C2
 CONVERGENT –DIVERGENT NOZZLE

M= A1C1/ʋ1= A2C2/ʋ2 = A3C3/ʋ3 = ρ1 A1C1 =ρ2 A2C2 = ρ3A3C3

 dh=dq+dw+d(KE)+d(PE)
d(u+pv) = d(KE)=d(C2/2)
Velocity of the fluid at the exit from the nozzle

Mass flow rate

 CONDITION FOR MAXIMUM DISCHARGE
Let pressure ratio = P2/P1=r

PC/P1=
EFFECT OF FRICTION ON NOZZLE
NOZZLE EFFECIENCY=
ACTUAL ENTHALPY DROP/ ISENTROPIC ENTHALPY DROP